@Spelman Neecy's Naturals 2028

Hi, my name is Dia Stephens. I started my business in 11th grade because I wanted to create something that promoted natural hair love while also giving me experience as a young entrepreneur. My hair-care line has taught me about marketing, communication, leadership, product development, and how to turn an idea into something real. I am also building my website and growing my brand by encouraging people who use my oils to share pictures of their hair journey and results, with their permission.

As a Media Lead in my STEM program, I have the opportunity to use media to document and share the work we do. One of my most meaningful experiences was traveling to Ghana with my STEM program. While there, we visited underserved communities and worked on projects that used STEM to help solve real problems. One project that stood out to me was creating a 3D-printed leg for a girl named Immogation who did not have a leg. We also created water filtration systems to help provide cleaner water. These experiences showed me that STEM is not just about learning in a classroom—it can be used to create solutions that directly impact people's lives.

Being a Media Lead allows me to help tell these stories and show the work that students in my program are doing. I want people to see that STEM can connect with community service, creativity, technology, and culture. My experience in Ghana helped me understand how important it is to use the skills I am learning to make a difference beyond my school.

I also want my hair-care business, STEM leadership, media experience, and work in Ghana to be part of my college application because I hope to attend Spelman College. My website and business will show the initiative I have taken to build something of my own, while my STEM experiences show my ability to work with others and use technology to solve real-world problems. I want my application to show who I am beyond my grades—a young entrepreneur, media leader, and STEM student who wants to use her skills to make an impact.